Ferrari the best - Schumacher

Wednesday 11 January 2006 00:10 BST

Michael Schumacher insists Ferrari remain the "best team" despite rivals Renault having a hand on both Formula One titles.

Schumacher's hopes of winning an eighth drivers' crown are slim after an engine failure for the first time in six years with his Ferrari robbed him of victory at Sunday's Japanese Grand Prix. The 37-year-old trails Fernando Alonso by 10 points with just one race remaining this year, that in Brazil in 11 days' time.

"In the constructors' series we've a nine-point gap, but we still have a chance, however small," insisted Schumacher. "I think we deserve this title as we are the best team. We are unbeatable in terms of our teamwork, and now we want to take the next step and become champions."

He added: "With one race left before the end of the season, this is what we will be concentrating our efforts on.

"Despite the gap, I want to go all out in Brazil to win another title."

To do so, Ferrari ideally need a one-two finish from Schumacher and team-mate Felipe Massa, while hoping neither Alonso nor his Renault ally in Giancarlo Fisichella take the other podium spot.